Suspect tased, charged after fleeing officers responding to early morning shots
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A reported early morning shooting in Allentown led to a foot chase, use of a Taser, and the arrest of a 37-year-old city man after officers recovered a firearm during the encounter.
The incident began around 6:50 a.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of West Tilghman Street, where officers were dispatched for reports of an individual firing gunshots, according to a media release from the Allentown Police Department.
As officers arrived, they located a person matching the description provided by callers, but the individual fled on foot, prompting a pursuit.
Foot chase ends with Taser deployment
Police said the suspect ignored commands to stop and appeared to reach toward his waist during the chase, escalating concerns among responding officers.
“The actor fled on foot and was reaching near his waist. Refusing lawful verbal commands to stop, the actor was subsequently tased and taken into custody,” the department stated. “A firearm was recovered from the actor in a search incident to arrest.”
Key Points
- Officers responded to gunfire report on West Tilghman Street Wednesday morning
- Suspect fled on foot, was tased after refusing commands to stop
- Firearm recovered; Allentown man faces multiple charges
Multiple charges filed following arrest
Authorities identified the suspect as Karriem Muhammad Jr., 37, of Allentown. He has been charged with firearms not to be carried without a license, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, evading arrest or detention on foot, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness.
Police said the charges stem from the initial report of gunfire and the subsequent investigation by First Platoon officers.
“As is in every criminal case, the fact that a warrant has been issued or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; and the defendant in this case is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty,” the department noted. “There will be no further comment at this time regarding this investigation.”
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